Gunners  instruction 


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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2016 


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Gunners’  Instruction 

1916-1917 

(Gun  Companies) 


Supplement  for 

8-JNCH  GUN  (Disappearing  Carriage) 


Company,  Fort 


COPYRIGHT 

BY 

Journal  U.  S.  Artillery 
1916 


Again  this  year,  the  Journal,  without  mentioning  them 
by  name,  expresses  its  grateful  appreciation  to  the  officers 
and  men  of  the  Corps  and  of  the  School  who  have  rendered 
it  valuable  assistance  in  the  preparation  of  text  and  illustra- 
tions for  “Gunner’s  Instruction.” 

As  in  the  past,  the  Journal  will  appreciate  having  brought 
to  its  attention  suggestions  looking  to  the  perfecting  of  the 
pamphlet. 

“Gunners’  Instruction”  is  issued  in  separate  pamphlets  for 
Mines,  for  Mortars,  and  for  Guns. 

Note: — There  is  published  a separate  supplement  for  each 
of  the  14-,  12-,  10-,  8-,  6 & 5-,  and  4.7,  4,  and  3-inch  guns, 
disappearing  and  barbette  carriages,  and  pedestal  mounts,  giv- 
ing: “Drill — Notes  on  the  Drill — -Illustrations  of  Gun,  Car- 
riage, and  Breech.” 

Delivered  in  one  shipment  to  one  address  in  the  lots  indi- 
cated, “Gunners  Instruction”  is  sold  at  the  following  rates, 
postpaid: 

1 to  24  copies $0.25  each 

25  to  49  “ 0.23  “ 

50  or  more  “ 0.20  “ 

Supplement,  singly  or  in 

number 0.15  “ 

The  Supplement  is  included,  without  extra  charge , in  ship- 
ments of  Mine  and  Gun  pamphlets — be  sure  to  specify  caliber 
and  mount  desired. 

Address  all  orders  to  the 

JOURNAL  U.  S.  ARTILLERY, 
FORT  MONROE,  VA. 


O m3 


8- Inch  B.  L.  Rifle,  Model  1888  Ml,  Mounted  on  D,  C..  L.  F„  Model  1894.  “In  Battery”  (Firing  Position) 


Department  of  Enlisted  Specialists,  C.  A. 


Breech  Mechanism  (Translating  Roller  Type).  10-Inch  B.  L.  Rifle.  Model  1888.  (Open) 


(a)  SERVICE  OF  THE  PIECE 


8-INCH  GUN  DRILL  (DISAPPEARING  CARRIAGE) 
(Numbers  refer  to  paragraphs  in  the  1914  Drill  Regulations.) 

THE  GUN  SECTION 

148.  Each  emplacement  is  manned  by  a gun  section  (37  enlisted  men 
plus  the  reserve  detachment)  consisting  of  a gun  detachment,  an  ammunition 
detachment,  and  a reserve  detachment.  The  gun  commander  is  in  com- 
mand of  the  gun  section,  and  is  also  chief  of  the  gun  detachment. 

149.  The  gun  detachment  (26  enlisted  men)  consists  of  the  gun  com- 
mander, the  gun  pointer,  the  chief  of  breech,  the  range  setter,  the  range 
recorder,  the  deflection  recorder,  and  20  cannoneers,  numbered  from  1 to 
20,  inclusive.  The  gun  detachment  is  divided  into  details,  as  shown  in  the 
drill  which  follows. 

150.  The  ammunition  detachment  (11  enlisted  men)  consists  of  the 
chief  of  ammunition  and  10  cannoneers,  numbered  from  21  to  30,  inclusive. 
The  ammunition  detachment  is  divided  into  details  for  the  service  of  powder 
and  projectiles  according  to  the  location  of  magazines,  shot  rooms,  and 
hoists  pertaining  to  the  emplacement. 

151.  The  reserve  detachment  consists  of  all  unassigned  cannoneers. 
It  is  divided  into  two  reserve  details,  one  for  the  gun  detachment,  and  one 
for  the  ammunition  detachment.  The  reserve  detachment  is  posted  by  the 
gun  commander  at  some  convenient  place  or  places,  and  is  used  by  him  to 
fill  vacancies  in  the  other  detachments. 

152.  To  post  the  gun  section. — The  section  is  posted  as  prescribed  in 
detail  in  Par.  40.  The  gun  commander  commands  DETAILS,  POSTS, 
and  after  the  cannoneers  are  posted,  he  commands  EXAMINE  GUN. 

153.  To  call  off. — The  battery  commander  may  at  any  time  give  the 
command  CALL  OFF,  which  is  repeated  by  the  gun  commander.  The 
cannoneers  call  off  their  numbers,  beginning  at  one. 

154.  To  load  and  fire. — The  battery  commander  indicates  the  target,  as 
prescribed  in  Chapter  V.  He  designates  the  kind  of  projectile  to  be  used, 
and  after  tracking  has  begun,  commands: 

(a)  COMMENCE  FIRING. 

(b)  FIRE ROUNDS,  COMMENCE  FIRING. 

(c)  NUMBER  (S) FIRE SHOTS,  COMMENCE  FIRING. 

The  gun  commander  commands  LOAD  when  the  battery  commander 

gives  the  command  COMMENCE  FIRING,  and  before  each  shot  of  a series. 

The  battery  commander  may  give  the  command  LOAD,  in  which  case 
the  gun  commander  repeats  the  command.  The  piece  is  loaded,  but  is 
held  from  battery  until  the  battery  commander  commands  COMMENCE 
FIRING. 


(l) 


8-inch  gun  drill  (disappearing  carriage) 


2 


When  the  number  of  rounds  specified  has  been  fired,  the  gun  commander 
commands  CEASE  FIRING,  at  which  command  all  cannoneers  resume 
their  posts. 

When  the  number  of  rounds  is  not  specified,  the  battery  commander 
commands  CEASE  FIRING,  and  the  gun  commander  repeats  the  command. 

155.  When  dummy  ammunition  is  used,  the  piece  is  unloaded  at  the 
command  CEASE  FIRING,  unless  otherwise  ordered. 

156.  The  following  drill  [page  3]  is  prescribed: 

NOTES  ON  THE  DRILL 

137.  The  service  of  the  piece  as  given  above  is  for  a gun  with  an  1895 
breech  mechanism.  If  the  gun  has  an  1888  breech  mechanism,  the  duties 
of  the  breech  detail  differ  in  the  following  respects:  No.  1 assists  in  opening 
the  breechblock,  oils  the  threads,  and  assists  in  closing  the  breech. 

138.  To  open  breech,  model  1888  mechanism. — No.  2 releases  the  rotating 
crank  by  turning  the  wing  nut  of  the  catch  to  the  left  and  then  turns  the 
rotating  crank  clockwise,  as  indicated  by  the  “open  arrowr,”  until  it  brings 
up  short  in  a horizontal  position  and  is  secured  by  its  catch;  No.  1 turns  the 
translating  crank  briskly  contraclockwise.  When  the  shoulders  of  the 
grooves  strike  against  the  ends  of  the  rails,  the  block  stops  short  and  the 
shock  frees  the  tray  latch  from  its  catch;  No.  1 swings  the  tray  and  block 
to  the  right  until  the  securing  latch  engages  in  the  catch. 

139.  To  close  breech,  model  1888  mechanism. — No.  2 releases  the  securing 
latch  from  its  catch;  No.  1 swings  the  tray  and  olock  around  to  the  left 
smartly;  No.  2 seizes  the  handle  of  the  tray  and  continues  the  swinging  of  the 
block  until  the  tray  abuts  against  and  is  latched  to  the  face  of  the  breech; 
then  he  turns  the  translating  crank  clockwise  until  the  breech  is  translated 
completely;  No.  1 releases  the  rotating  crank  by  turning  the  wing  nut  and 
turns  the  rotating  crank  contraclockwise,  as  indicated  by  the  “close”  arrow, 
until  it  brings  up  short  in  a vertical  position  and  is  secured  by  its  catch. 

140.  To  open  breech,  model  1895  mechanism. — The  chief  of  breech  unhooks 
the  lanyard  (when  one  is  used)  from  the  eye  of  the  firing  leaf;  No.  3 turns 
the  crank  continuously  in  a clockwise  direction  until  the  tray  comes  to  a 
rest  against  the  hinge  plate  and  the  securing  latch  catches. 

141.  To  close  breech,  model  1895  mechanism. — No.  1 releases  the  securing 
latch  and  turns  the  crank  in  a contraclockwise  direction  until  the  projecting 
shoulder  on  the  rotating  lug  striking  the  gear  prevents  further  motion.  The 
latch  is  released  before  the  truck  is  withdraw  n from  the  breech,  holding  the 
breechblock  open  by  the  operating  crank  until  time  to  close  it. 

142.  With  the  1895  breech  mechanism,  it  will  be  convenient  to  fasten  a 
wire  around  the  piece  back  of  the  elevating  band  with  a loop  in  which  the 
safety  lanyard  (if  a lanyard  is  used)  may  be  hooked  during  the  loading. 
The  chief  of  breech  after  unhooking  the  lanyard  swings  it  over  the  teeth 
of  the  breech  mechanism  and  hooks  it  in  the  loop  of  the  wire.  Thus  it  is 
kept  from  being  caught  in  the  mechanism  and  is  convenient  to  the  chief  of 
breech  when  the  time  comes  to  hook  it  again. 

143.  Prior  to  practice  or  action  shot  trucks  are  adjusted  to  the  highest 
point  to  which  it  is  anticipated  the  gun  will  recoil,  since  the  adjustment  is 
made  downward  more  easily  and  rapidly  than  upward. 

144.  If  the  gun  fails  to  go  in  battery  completely,  the  gun  commander 
orders  Nos.  9 and  10  to  use  the  pinch  bars;  these  are  engaged  in  the  notches 
on  the  chassis  and  the  gun  is  forced  into  battery.  However,  battery  com- 


3 


8-inch  gun  drill  (disappearing  carriage) 


Details. 

At  command  DETAILS 
POSTS. 

At  command  EXAMINE 
GUN. 

Gun  commander 
(N.  C.  officer). 

The  gun  commander  gives  the 
command  DETAILS , POSTS 
and  supervises  the  procuring  of 
equipments  and  implements. 
He  posts  the  reserve  detach- 
ment. 

The  gun  commander  gives  the 
command  EXAMINE  GUN,  makes 
a general  inspection  of  the  gun.  and 
carriage  and  reports  to  the  emplace- 
ment officer. 

Gun  pointer  (N. 
C.  officer  or  pri- 
vate). 

The  gun  pointer  procures  the 
sight  and  places  it  in  its  seat 
and  takes  post  on  the  sighting 
platform. 

The  gun  pointer  examines  the 
sight  and  verifies  the  adjustment  of 
the  azimuth  index.  He  examines 
the  traversing  mechanism  and  the 
electric  firing  mechanism  and  circuit 
(if  used). 

Range  setter  (N. 
C.  officer  or  pri- 
vate). 

The  range  setter  takes  post 
facing  the  range  scale. 

The  range  setter  examines  the 
elevating  and  retracting  mechan- 
isms. He  cleans  and  oils  the  gears. 

Range  recorder 
(N.  C.  officer  or  pri- 
vate). 

The  range  recorder  procures 
chalk,  a ruler,  a blackboard 
eraser,  and  a stop  watch  and  takes 
post  at  the  time-range  board. 

The  range  recorder  examines  the 
time-range  board.  He  puts  on  the 
head  set  and  tests  the  telephone  to 
the  plotting  room 

Deflection  record- 
er (N.  C.  officer  or 
private). 

The  deflection  recorder  pro- 
cures chalk  and  a blackboard 
eraser,  and  takes  post  at  the 
deflection  recorder’s  board. 

The  deflection  recorder  examines 
the  deflection  recorder’s  board.  He 
puts  on  the  head  set,  and  tests  the 
telephone  to  the  plotting  room. 

Breech  detail, 

chief  of  breech  (N. 
C.  officer  or  private), 
and  Nos.  1,  2,  and.3. 

The  chief  of  breech  takes  post 
2 yards  in  rear  of  the  breech, 
facing  it. 

No.  1 procures  a wiper  or  cot- 
ton waste  and  a can  containing 
lubricating  oil  and  a sponge. 
He  places  the  can  convenient  to 
the  breech  and  takes  post  about 
1 yard  to  the  rear  and  right  of 
the  breech,  facing  it. 

No.  2 procures  the  operating 
crank  for  the  breech  mechan- 
ism and  places  it  in  position.  He 
also  procures  a wiper  or  cotton 
waste  and  takes  post  about  1 
yard  to  the  rear  and  left  of  the 
breech,  facing  it. 

No.  3 procures  the  lanyard 
(when  one  is  used),  primers, 
primer  pouch,  punch,  drill,  ream- 
er, and  firing  mechanism,  and 
takes  post  on  the  right  side  of 
the  piece,  about  1 foot  to  the 
right  and  front  of  the  elevating 
band,  facing  to  the  rear. 

The  chief  of  breech  examines  the 
breech  mechanism,  breechblock, 
breech  recess,  chamber,  and  bore, 
and  gives  the  necessary  orders  for 
cleaning  and  putting  them  into  con- 
dition for  service. 

No.  1 removes  the  breech  cover 
and  places  it  at  the  designated  place. 
He  cleans  and  oils  the  breechblock 
and  breech  mechanism. 

No.  2 cleans  and  oils  the  breech 
recess  and  gas-check  seat. 

No.  3 examines  the  vent  and  the 
firing  mechanism.  He  clears  the 
vent  and  cleans  the  primer  seat.  He 
coils  the  long  lanyard  (if  one  is  used) 
and  hangs  it  over  the  end  of  the 
elevating  arm. 

Rammer  detail. 
No.  4. 

No.  4 procures  the  rammer 
and  places  it  on  its  hooks  near 
the  rail,  head  toward  the  hoist. 
He  procures  the  extractor  for  the 
dummy  projectile  and  places  it 
near  the  rammer.  He  takes  post 
about  2 yards  from  the  head  of 
the  rammer,  within  reach  of  the 
staff,  facing  the  piece. 

No.  4 assists  the  breech  detail  in 
cleaning  when  necessary. 

8-inch  gun  drill  (disappearing  carriage) 


4 


At  command  LOAD. 

At  command 
CEASE  FIRING. 
(When  dummy  ammu- 
nition is  used.) 

The  gun  commander  gives  the  command  LOAD  and  supervises 
the  work  of  his  section.  After  the  chief  of  breech  has  given  the 
command  TRIP,  the  gun  commander  sees  that  the  gun  goes  fully 
into  battery,  verifies  the  range  setting,  and  if  the  setting  is  correct, 
calls  READY. 

The  gun  commander 
gives  the  command 
CEASE  FIRING,  and 
supervises  the  work  of 
unloading. 

The  gun  pointer  sets  the  deflection  recorded  bn  the  deflection 
recorder’s  board  and  directs  the  traversing  so  that  he  will  be  on 
the  target  by  the  time  the  gun  is  in  battery.  He  fires  the  piece  or 
gives  the  command  FIRE  as  soon  after  the  command  READY  as 
the  piece  is  pointed. 

No  duties. 

At  the  command  TRIP  the  range  setter  lays  the  piece  for  range 
in  accordance  with  information  obtained  from  the  time-range  board 
as  prescribed  in  Paragraph  400. 

No  duties. 

The  range  recorder  continues  plotting  the  time-range  curve,  as 
prescribed  in  Paragraph  400. 

The  range  recorder 
continues  plotting  the 
time-range  curve. 

The  deflection  recorder  makes  a record  of  the  last  deflection 
received  when  it  differs  from  the  last  one  recorded,  erasing  the 
latter. 

The  deflection  re- 
corder continues  re- 

cording deflections. 

The  chief  of  breech  gives  the  command  HOME  RAM  for  ram- 
ming the  projectile,  and  the  command  IN  BATTERY  TRIP  for 
tripping  the  gun.  If  a lanyard  is  used,  he  hooks  the  lanyard 
before  the  primer  is  inserted,  and  does  not  command  TRIP  until 
after  the  primer  is  inserted.  After  firing  he  unhooks  the  lanyard. 

Nos.  1 and  2 open  the  breech. 

No.  1 places  the  head  of  the  rammer  against  the  base  of  the 
projectile  as  the  truck  approaches  the  breech,  assists  in  ramming 
the  projectile,  and  closes  breech,  assisted  by  No.  2. 

After  each  shot  No.  2 wipes  the  mushroom  head  and  gas-check 
seat  with  a cloth  moistened  with  hydrolene  oil,  then  takes  his  place 
on  the  rammer,  assists  in  ramming  the  projectile,  and  assists  No.  1 
in  closing  the  breech. 

No.  3 inserts  a primer  after  the  breechblock  is  completely  closed 
and  lowers  the  leaf  of  the  firing  device  completely  down,  steps  back 
to  the  right  and  rear  as  the  gun  goes  in  battery,  letting  his  lanyard 
(if  one  is  used)  uncoil.  He  pulls  the  lanyard  (if  one  is  used)  at  the 
command  FIRE.  After  the  piece  is  fired  he  coils  the  long  lanyard 
(if  a lanyard  is  used),  and  as  soon  as  the  breech  is  opened  removes 
the  old  primer,  clears  the  vent,  and  cleans  the  primer  seat. 

Note — (The  battery  commander  may  require  Nos.  1 and  2 to 
assist  in  ramming  the  powder,  and  the  chief  of  breech  to  assist  in 
ramming  the  projectile.) 

The  chief  of  breech 
supervises  unloading. 
Nos.  1 and  2 assist  in 
withdrawing  the  dum- 
my powder  charge  and 
the  dummy  projectile. 

No.  3 removes  the 
primer. 

The  truck  is  brought  up  to  the  face  of  the  breech  and  the  pro- 
jectile pushed  carefully  off  the  truck  until  the  base  of  the  projectile 
is  just  inside  the  powder  chamber.  The  truck  is  then  withdrawn 
and  run  off  to  one  side.  Nos.  1,  2,  4,  9,  and  10  then  man  the  ram- 
mer as  near  the  outer  end  as  possible,  and  at  the  command  HOME 
RAM  by  the  chief  of  breech  they  rush  the  projectile  forward  hard 
into  its  seat,  increasing  the  speed  of  the  rush  so  that  the  projectile 
will  have  its  fastest  movement  when  it  comes  up  hard  in  its  seat. 
The  rammer  detail  pushes  the  powder  off  the  powder  tray  and  into 
the  powder  chamber  to  such  a distance  that  the  breechblock  will 
give  the  powder  charge  a final  push  into  the  chamber  in  closing. 

Note — (The  battery  commander  may  require  Nos.  1 and  2 to 
assist  in  ramming  the  powder,  and  the  chief  of  breech  to  assist  in 
ramming  the  projectile.) 

No.  4 brings  up  the 
extractor  and  pulls  the 
dummy  powder  sec- 
tions back  onto  the 
powder  tray.  He  hooks 
the  extractor  into  the 
dummy  projectile  and 
assists  in  withdrawing 
it. 

5 


8-inch  gun  drill  (disappearing  carriage) 


Details. 

At  command  DETAILS, 
POSTS. 

At  command  EXAMINE 
GUN. 

Elevating  detail. 
Nos.  5 and  6. 

Nos.  5 and  6 take  posts  at  the 
elevating  handwheel  on  the  same 
side  as  the  range  setter,  facing 
the  piece. 

Nos.  5 and  6 assist  the  range  set- 
ter in  examining  the  elevating  and 
retracting  mechanism  and  in  clean- 
ing and  oiling  the  gears. 

Traversing  detail, 
Nos.  7 and  8. 

Nos.  7 and  8 procure  the 
traversing  cranks,  place  one  of 
them  on  the  shaft  on  the  same 
side  as  the  gun  pointer,  and  take 
posts  at  the  crank,  facing  to  the 
rear. 

Nos.  7 and  8 remove  the  drip  pans 
and  test  the  traversing  mechanism. 
No.  8 receives  the  muzzle  cover  from 
No.  11  and  places  it  at  a designated 
place. 

Tripping  detail, 
Nos.  9 and  10. 

No.  9 procures  a wrench  for 
filling  plugs,  a measure  contain- 
ing hydrolene  oil,  and  a funnel, 
and  goes  to  the  right  tripping 
lever. 

No.  10  procures  a wrench  for 
filling  plugs  and  goes  to  the  left 
tripping  lever. 

Nos.  9 and  10  mount  on  the  chas- 
sis, each  carrying  a wrench,  and 
remove  the  filling  plugs  from  the 
recoil  cylinders.  If  oil  is  needed, 
No.  9 calls  on  No.  11  for  the  funnel 
and  measure  and  pours  oil  into  the 
right  cylinder  slowly.  No.  10 
watches  the  oil  hole  in  the  left  cyl- 
inder. When  both  cylinders  are 
full.  No.  9 hands  the  funnel  and  meas- 
ure back  to  No.  11  and  notifies  the 
gun  commander  that  the  cylinders  are 
ready  for  inspection.  After  the  in- 
spection, Nos.  9 and  10  screw  the 
plugs  well  home  and  take  posts,  fac- 
ing the  piece,  by  the  platform  rail- 
ing, No.  9 one  yard  to  the  right  of 
No.  4 and  No.  10  one  yard  to  the 
left  of  No.  4. 

Truck  detail,  Nos. 
11  and  12. 

Nos.  11  and  12  bring  out  the 
shot  trucks  to  be  used  and  take 
posts  at  the  handles  of  one  of  the 
trucks;  No.  11  on  the  right  and 
No.  12  on  the  left. 

No.  11  removes  the  muzzle  cover, 
hands  it  to  No.  8,  and  assists  No.  9 
in  filling  the  recoil  cylinders,  passing 
up  the  oil  measure  and  the  funnel 
when  needed. 

Nos.  11  and  12  examine  the  trucks, 
clean  and  oil  them  when  necessary. 
They  then  turn  them  over  to  the 
hoist  detail  for  loading.  When  the 
first  truck  is  loaded,  they  push  it  out 
to  some  convenient  position  in  rear 
of  the  breech. 

Powder  serving 

detail.  Nos.  13,  14, 
15,  and  16. 

Nos.  13,  14,  15,  and  16  bring 
out  the  powder  trays  to  be  used 
and  turn  them  over  to  the  ammu- 
nition detachment.  They  take 
posts  opposite  the  first  tray, 
loaded,  Nos.  13  and  15  on  the 
right  and  Nos.  14  and  16  on  the 
left,  Nos.  13  and  14  in  rear. 

Nos.  13,  14,  15.  and  16  see  that  the 
powder  sections  are  arranged  on  the 
trays  in  the  order  in  which  they  are 
to  be  inserted. 

Hoist  detail.  Nos. 
17,  18,  and  19.  No. 
17  is  chief  of  detail 
unless  a noncom- 
missioned officer  is 
assigned  in  charge. 

Nos.  17,  18,  and  19  take  posts 
at  the  delivery  table. 

Nos.  17,  18,  and  19  examine  and 
clean  the  delivery  table  and  the  pro- 
jectiles on  it.  They  examine  the 
automatic  stop.  They  load  the 
trucks  turned  over  to  them  by  the 
truck  detail. 

Sponge  detail.  No. 
20. 

No.  20  procures  the  chamber 
sponge  and  a vessel  containing 
hydrolene  oil,  places  them  near 
the  railing  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  emplacement  from  the 
rammer,  and  takes  post  near  the 
chamber  sponge,  facing  the  gun. 
(If  there  is  to  be  no  firing,  the 
vessel  may  be  empty.) 

No.  20  brings  up  the  chamber 
sponge  when  called  for  and  assists 
in  sponging  the  chamber. 

8-inch  gun  drill  (disappearing  carriage) 


6 


At  command  LOAD. 

At  command 
CEASE  FIRING. 
(When  dummy  ammu- 
nition is  used.) 

Nos.  5 and  6 elevate  or  depress  the  piece  under  direction  of  the 
range  setter. 

No  duties. 

Nos.  7 and  8 traverse  the  piece  under  direction  of  the  gun  pointer. 
They  halt  when  the  piece  is  fired  and  resume  traversing  as  soon  as 
the  truck  is  withdrawn  from  the  breech. 

No  duties. 

Nos.  9 and  10  assist  in  ramming  the  projectile.  As  soon  as  the 
projectile  is  seated  they  quit  the  rammer  and  run  to  the  tripping 
levers.  At  the  command  IN  BA  TTERY  they  seize  the  tripping 
levers,  and  at  the  command  TRIP , raise  them  quickly  to  the  stops, 
hold  them  for  an  instant,  then  let  go, and  when  the  gun  is  in  battery 
run  back  to  their  posts  at  the  rammer,  where  they  stand  by  for  the 
next  shot.  If  firing  by  electricity,  No.  9 (or  10)  closes  the  safety 
switch  as  soon  as  the  gun  is  in  battery. 

No  duties  unless  the 
dummy  projectile  sticks, 
in  which  case  they 
assist  in  starting  it 
from  its  seat. 

Nos.  11  and  12  run  out  a loaded  shot  truck.  No.  12  adjusting 
the  truck  to  the  proper  height  in  accordance  with  the  position  of 
the  piece  upon  recoil.  The  truck  is  run  forward  so  that  the  tray 
enters  the  breech  recess  squarely.  As  the  truck  brings  up  against 
the  face  of  the  breech  No.  12  sets  the  brake. 

As  soon  as  the  projectile  is  pushed  off  the  truck  Nos.  11  and  12 
run  the  truck  back  to  the  hoist,  and  turn  it  over  to  the  hoist  detail. 
Then  they  take  posts  behind  a loaded  truck  and  stand  by  for  the 
next  shot. 

Nos.  11  and  12  push 
a truck  into  position  at 
the  breech  to  receive 
the  dummy  projectile, 
then  return  the  truck 
to  the  loading  position. 

As  soon  as  the  rammer  has  been  withdrawn  after  seating  the 
projectile,  the  nose  of  the  powder  tray  is  inserted  in  the  breech  by 
Nos.  13,  14,  15,  and  16,  and  the  rammer  detail,  in  one  motion, 
pushes  carefully  the  entire  powder  charge  off  the  tray  to  such  a 
distance  that  the  breechblock  will  give  the  powder  charge  a final 
push  into  the  chamber  in  closing.  The  tray  is  then  removed  and 
the  breech  closed. 

Nos.  13, 14,  15,  and  16 
bring  up  an  empty 
powder  tray  to  receive 
the  dummy  powder 
sections,  and  return  the 
loaded  tray  to  the  load- 
ing position. 

Nos.  17,  18,  and  19  receive  the  empty  truck  after  each  shot, 
load  it,  and  run  it  out  conveniently  for  Nos.  11  and  12. 

No  duties. 

No.  20  dips  the  chamber  sponge  in  the  hydrolene  oil  and  allows 
the  excess  oil  to  run  off.  As  soon  as  the  breechblock  is  opened 
after  each  shot,  assisted  by  the  breech  detail,  he  sponges  the 
chamber  as  quickly  as  practicable. 

No  duties. 

7 


8-inch  gun  drill  (disappearing  carriage) 


manders  will  observe  such  defects  at  daily  drill  and  will  have  the  same 
remedied  before  practice  or  action. 

145.  To  retract  the  gun. — Assuming  that  the  gun  is  in  battery,  that  the 
clutch  is  out,  and  that  the  cables  are  wound  on  the  retraction  drums,  to 
retract  the  gun  by  hand  the  gun  commander  will  command  (1)  FROM 
BATTERY,  (2)  HEAVE,  (3)  HALT.  At  the  first  command  No.  7 releases 
the  retaining  pawl  and  turns  the  speed  crank  to  permit  the  pulling  out  of 
the  cables.  Nos.  1 and  2 pull  out  the  cables  to  their  full  length  and  pass 
the  ends  to  Nos.  3 and  4,  who  will  have  mounted  on  the  chassis.  Nos.  3 
and  4 pass  the  cables  to  Nos.  9 and  10,  who  will  have  mounted  the  gun 
levers,  and  who  will  place  the  ends  of  the  cables  on  the  hooks.  No.  7 will 
then  throw  on  the  retaining  pawl  and  will  turn  the  speed  crank  to  take  up 
all  slack,  and  No.  8 will  push  in  the  clutch,  Nos.  3 and  4 watching  the  cables 
to  see  that  they  take  the  grooves  of  the  drums.  As  soon  as  the  slack  has 
been  taken  up  Nos.  3,  4,  9,  and  10  return  to  the  loading  platform,  and  Nos. 

7 and  8 put  on  the  retraction  cranks. 

The  gun  section  is  divided  into  two  reliefs  by  the  gun  commander.  The 
first  relief  takes  post  at  the  retraction  cranks,  and  at  the  second  command 
start  to  retract  the  gun.  The  reliefs  alternate  as  directed  by  the  gun  com- 
mander. As  soon  as  the  crosshead  teeth  engage  their  pawls  the  retraction 
shaft  retaining  pawl  is  thrown  off,  and  remains  off  until  the  cables  have 
been  unhooked  from  the  gun  levers. 

When  the  gun  has  reached  the  loading  position,  the  gun  commander 
commands  HALT.  At  this  command  Nos.  7 and  8 remove  the  retraction 
cranks.  No.  7,  using  the  speed  crank,  lets  out  enough  slack  to  enable 
Nos.  1 and  2 to  unhook  the  cables.  After  the  unhooking,  No.  7 takes  up 
all  slack  with  the  speed  crank  and  then  throws  the  retaining  pawl  on.  No. 

8 then  pulls  out  the  clutch. 

146.  For  retraction  by  power  the  above  drill  is  modified  as  follows: 
Assuming  the  idler  to  be  out  of  gear,  after  the  cables  have  been  hooked  to 
the  gun  levers,  and  the  slack  has  been  taken  up  by  No.  7 and  the  clutch 
thrown  in  by  No.  8,  at  the  command  HEA  VE  by  the  gun  commander 
No.  8 throws  the  idler  in  gear.  As  soon  as  this  is  done  the  range  setter 
closes  the  main  switch  of  the  controller  cabinet  and  moves  the  arm  so  as 
to  turn  on  the  power.  The  movements  at  the  command  HALT  are  the 
same  as  those  prescribed  for  hand  retraction,  except  that  the  range  setter 
pulls  the  main  switch  of  the  controller  cabinet,  after  which  No.  8 throws 
the  idler  out  of  gear.  The  cables  are  then  unhooked,  and  the  slack  taken 
up  as  prescribed  for  hand  retraction. 

147.  On  carriages  equipped  with  friction  brakes  on  the  retraction  crank 
shaft  it  is  not  necessary  to  unhook  the  cables  from  the  gun  levers.  The 
time  consumed  in  pulling  out  and  hooking  the  cables  is  thereby  saved.  On 
carriages  so  equipped  the  cables  need  not  be  unhooked,  and  the  drill  may 
be  modified  accordingly. 


Gunners’  Instruction 

1916-1917 

(Gun  Companies) 


Supplement  for 

12-INCH  GUN  (Disappearing  Carriage) 


Company,  Fort 


COPYRIGHT 

BY 

Journal  U.  S.  Artillery 
1916 


UBHMW 

university  or  iuinois 

UilBANA 


Again  this  year,  the  Journal,  without  mentioning  them 
by  name,  expresses  its  grateful  appreciation  to  the  officers 
and  men  of  the  Corps  and  of  the  School  who  have  rendered 
it  valuable  assistance  in  the  preparation  of  text  and  illustra- 
tions for  “Gunner’s  Instruction.” 

As  in  the  past,  the  Journal  will  appreciate  having  brought 
to  its  attention  suggestions  looking  to  the  perfecting  of  the 
pamphlet. 

“Gunners’  Instruction”  is  issued  in  separate  pamphlets  for 
Mines,  for  Mortars,  and  for  Guns. 

Note: — There  is  published  a separate  supplement  for  each 
of  the  14-,  12-,  10-,  8-,  6 & 5-,  and  4.7,  4,  and  3-inch  guns, 
disappearing  and  barbette  carriages,  and  pedestal  mounts,  giv- 
ing: “Drill — Notes  on  the  Drill— Illustrations  of  Gun,  Car- 
riage, and  Breech.” 

Delivered  in  one  shipment  to  one  address  in  the  lots  indi- 
cated, “Gunners  Instruction”  is  sold  at  the  following  rates, 
postpaid: 


1 to  24  copies 

$0.25 

each 

25  to  49  “ 

____  0.23 

(i 

50  or  more  “ 

____  0.20 

u 

Supplement,  singly  or  in 

number 

____  0.15 

a 

The  Supplement  is  included,  without  extra  charge , in  ship- 
ments of  Mine  and  Gun  pamphlets — be  sure  to  specify  caliber 
and  mount  desired. 

Address  all  orders  to  the 

JOURNAL  U.  S.  ARTILLERY, 
FORT  MONROE,  VA. 


-t-o 


12-Inch  B.  L.  Rifle,  Model  1900,  Mounted  on  D.  C..  L.  F..  Model  1901.  “In  Battery”  (Firing  Position) 


Breech  Mechanism.  (Stockett).  12-Inch  B.  L.  Rifle,  Model  1900.  (Closed) 


Breech  Mechanism,  (Stockett),  12-Inch  B.  L.  Rifle,  Model  1900.  (Open) 


Department  of  Enlisted  Specialists,  C.  A.  S. 

Breech  Mechanism  (Translating  Roller  Type),  10- Inch  B.  L.  Rifle,  Model'1888.  (Closed) 


Breech  Mechanism  (Translating  Roller  Type),  10-Inch  B.  L Rifle,  Model  1888.  (Open) 


(a)  SERVICE  OF  THE  PIECE 


12-INCH  GUN  DRILL  (DISAPPEARING  CARRIAGE) 
(Numbers  refer  to  paragraphs  in  the  1914  Drill  Regulations.) 

THE  GUN  SECTION 

128.  Each  emplacement  is  manned  by  a gun  section  (42  enlisted  men 
plus  the  reserve  detachment),  consisting  of  a gun  detachment,  an  ammunition 
detachment,  and  a reserve  detachment.  The  gun  commander  is  in  com- 
mand of  the  gun  section,  and  is  also  chief  of  the  gun  detachment. 

129.  The  gun  detachment  (29  enlisted  men)  consists  of  the  gun  com- 
mander, the  gun  pointer,  the  chief  of  breech,  the  range  setter,  the  range 
recorder,  the  deflection  recorder,  and  23  cannoneers,  numbered  from  1 to 
23,  inclusive,  The  gun  detachment  is  divided  into  details,  as  shown  in  the 
drill  which  follows. 

130.  The  ammunition  detachment  (13  enlisted  men)  consists  of  the  chief 
of  ammunition  and  12  cannoneers,  numbered  from  24  to  35,  inclusive.  The 
ammunition  detachment  is  divided  into,  details  for  the  service  of  powder 
and  projectiles,  according  to  the  location  of  magazines,  shot  rooms,  and 
hoists  pertaining  to  the  emplacement. 

131.  The  reserve  detachment  consists  of  all  unassigned  cannoneers.  It 
is  divided  into  two  reserve  details,  one  for  the  gun  detachment,  and  one  for 
the  ammunition  detachment.  The  reserve  detachment  is  posted  by  the  gun 
commander  at  some  convenient  place  or  places,  and  is  used  by  him  to  fill 
vacancies  in  the  other  detachments. 

132.  To  post  the  gun  section. — The  section  is  posted  as  prescribed  in  detail 
in  Par.  40.  The  gun  commander  commands  DETAILS,  POSTS,  and  after 
the  cannoneers  are  posted,  he  commands  EXAMINE  GUN. 

133.  To  call  off. — The  battery  commander  may  at  any  time  give  the 
command  CALL  OFF,  which  is  repeated  by  the  gun  commander.  The 
cannoneers  call  off  their  numbers,  beginning  at  one. 

134.  To  load  and  fire. — The  battery  commander  indicates  the  target,  as 
prescribed  in  Chapter  V.  He  designates  the  kind  of  projectile  to  be  used, 
and  after  tracking  has  begun,  commands: 

(a)  COMMENCE  FIRING. 

(b)  FIRE -ROUNDS,  COMMENCE  FIRING. 

(c)  NUMBER  (S) FIRE SHOTS,  COMMENCE  FIRING. 

The  gun  commander  commands  LOAD  when  the  battery  commander 

gives  the  command  COMMENCE  FIRING,  and  before  each  shot  of  a series. 

The  battery  commander  may  give  the  command  LOAD,  in  which  case 
the  gun  commander  repeats  the  command.  The  piece  is  loaded,  but  is 
held  from  battery  until  the  battery  commander  commands  COMMENCE 
FIRING. 


(l) 


12-inch  gun  drill  (disappearing  carriage) 


2 


When  the  number  of  rounds  specified  has  been  fired,  the  gun  commander 
commands  CEASE  FIRING,  at  which  command  all  cannoneers  resume 
their  posts. 

When  the  number  of  rounds  is  not  specified,  the  battery  commander 
commands  CEASE  FIRING,  and  the  gun  commander  repeats  the  command. 

135.  When  dummy  ammunition  is  used,  the  piece  is  unloaded  at  the 
command  CEASE  FIRING,  unless  otherwise  ordered. 

136.  The  following  drill  [page  3]  is  prescribed: 

NOTES  ON  THE  DRILL 

137.  The  service  of  the  piece  as  given  above  for  a gun  with  an  1895 
breech  mechanism.  If  the  gun  has  an  1888  breech  mechanism,  the  duties 
of  the  breech  detail  differ  in  the  following  respects:  No.  1 assists  in  opening 
the  breechblock,  oils  the  threads,  and  assists  in  closing  the  breech;  No.  21 
assists  on  the  translating  crank,  if  necessary. 

138.  To  open  breech,  model  1888  mechanism. — No.  2 releases  the  rotating 
crank  by  turning  the  wing  nut  of  the  catch  to  the  left  and  then  turns  the 
rotating  crank  clockwise,  as  indicated  by  the  “open”  arrow,  until  it  brings 
up  short  in  a horizontal  position  and  is  secured  by  its  catch;  No.  1 turns  the 
translating  crank  briskly  contraclockwise.  When  the  shoulders  of  the 
grooves  strike  against  the  ends  of  the  rails,  the  block  stops  short  and  the 
shock  frees  the  tray  latch  from  its  catch;  No.  1 swings  the  tray  and  block 
to  the  right  until  the  securing  latch  engages  in  the  catch. 

139.  To  close  breech,  model  1888  mechanism. — No.  2 releases  the  securing 
latch  from  its  catch;  No.  1 swings  the  tray  and  block  around  to  the  left 
smartly;  No.  2 seizes  the  handle  of  the  tray  and  continues  the  swinging  of 
the  block  until  the  tray  abuts  against  and  is  latched  to  the  face  of  the  breech; 
then  he  turns  the  translating  crank  clockwise  until  the  breech  is  translated 
completely;  No.  1 releases  the  rotating  crank  by  turning  the  wing  nut  and 
turns  the  rotating  crank  contraclockwise,  as  indicated  by  the  “close”  arrow, 
until  it  brings  up  short  in  a vertical  position  and  is  secured  by  its  catch. 

140.  To  open  breech,  model  1895  mechanism. — The  chief  of  breech  unhooks 
the  lanyard  (when  one  is  used)  from  the  eye  of  the  firing  leaf;  No.  21  turns 
the  crank  continuously  in  a clockwise  direction  until  the  tray  comes  to  a 
rest  against  the  hinge  plate  and  the  securing  latch  catches. 

141.  To  close  breech,  model  1895  mechanism. — No.  1 releases  the  securing 
latch  and  turns  the  crank  in  a contraclockwise  direction  until  the  projecting 
shoulder  on  the  rotating  lug  striking  the  gear  prevents  further  motion. 
The  latch  is  released  before  the  truck  is  withdrawn  from  the  breech,  hold- 
ing the  breechblock  open  by  the  operating  crank  until  time  to  close  it. 

142.  With  the  1895  breech  mechanism,  it  will  be  convenient  to  fasten 
a wire  around  the  piece  back  of  the  elevating  band  with  a loop  in  which 
the  safety  lanyard  (if  a lanyard  is  used)  may  be  hooked  during  the  loading. 
The  chief  of  breech  after  unhooking  the  lanyard  swings  it  over  the  teeth 
of  the  breech  mechanism  and  hooks  it  in  the  loop  of  the  wire.  Thus  it  is 
kept  from  being  caught  in  the  mechanism  and  is  convenient  to  the  chief  of 
breech  when  the  time  comes  to  hook  it  again. 

143.  Prior  to  practice  or  action  shot  trucks  are  adjusted  to  the  highest 
point  to  which  it  is  anticipated  the  gun  will  recoil,  since  the  adjustment  is 
made  downward  more  easily  and  rapidly  than  upward. 

144.  If  the  gun  fails  to  go  in  battery  completely,  the  gun  commander 
orders  Nos.  9,  10,  22  and  23  to  use  the  pinch  bars;  these  are  engaged  in  the 


3 


12-inch  gun  drill  (disappearing  carriage) 


Details. 


At  command  DETAILS, 
POSTS. 


At  command  EXAMINE  GUN. 


Gun  commander 
(N.  C.  officer). 


Gun  pointer  (N. 
C.  officer  or  private). 


The  gun  commander  gives  the 
command  DETAILS,  POSTS, 
and  supervises  the  procuring  of 
equipment  and  implements.  He 
posts  the  reserve  detachment. 


The  gun  pointer  procures  the 
sight,  places  it  in  its  seat,  and 
takes  post  on  the  sighting  plat- 
form. 


The  gun  commander  gives  the 
command  EXAMINE  GUN,  makes 
a general  inspection  of  the  gun  and 
carriage,  and  reports  to  the  em- 
placement officer. 


The  gun  pointer  examines  the 
sight  and  verifies  the  adjustment  of 
the  azimuth  index.  He  examines 
the  traversing  mechanism  and  the 
electric  firing  mechanism  and  circuit 
(if  used). 


Range  setter  (N.  The  range  setter  takes  post 
C.  officer  or  pri-  facing  the  range  scale, 
vate). 


Range  recorder 
(N.  C.  officer  or  pri- 
vate). 


The  range  recorder  procures 
chalk,  a ruler,  a blackboard 
eraser,  and  a stop  watch,  and 
takes  post  at  the  time-range 
board. 


The  range  setter  examines  the 
elevating  and  retracting  mechanisms, 
and  cleans  and  oils  the  gears  if  neces- 
sary. 


The  range  recorder  examines  the 
time-range  board.  He  puts  on  the 
head  set  and  tests  the  telephone  to 
the  plotting  room. 


Deflection  record- 
er (N.  C.  officer  or 
private). 


Breech  detail , 

chief  of  breech  (N. 
C.  officer  or  pri- 
vate), and  Nos.  1,  2, 
3,  and  21. 


The  deflection  recorder  pro- 
cures chalk,  and  a blackboard 
eraser,  and  takes  post  at  the 
deflection  recorder’s  board. 


The  deflection  recorder  examines 
the  deflection  recorder’s  board.  He 
puts  on  the  head  set,  and  tests  the 
telephone  to  the  plotting  room. 


The  chief  of  breech  takes  post 
2 yards  in  rear  of  the  breech,  fac- 
ing it. 

No.  1 procures  a wiper  or  cot- 
ton waste  and  a can  containing 
lubricating  oil  and  a sponge.  He 
places  the  can  convenient  to  the 
breech  and  takes  post  about  one 
yard  to  the  rear  and  right  of  the 
breech,  facing  it. 

No.  2 procures  the  operating 
crank  for  the  breech  mechanism 
and  places  it  in  position.  He 
also  procures  a wiper  or  cotton 
waste  and  takes  post  about  one 
yard  to  the  rear  and  left  of  the 
breech,  facing  it. 

No.  3 procures  the  lanyard 
(if  one  is  used),  primers,  primer 
pouch,  punch,  drill,  reamer,  and 
firing  mechanism,  and  takes  post 
on  the  right  side  of  the  piece 
about  one  foot  to  the  right  and 
front  of  the  elevating  band,  fac- 
ing to  the  rear. 

No.  21  takes  post  about  2 feet 
to  the  right  of  the  breech  on  line 
with  its  face,  facing  it. 


The  chief  of  breech  examines  the 
breech  mechanism,  breechblock, 
breech  recess,  chamber,  and  bore, 
and  gives  the  necessary  orders  for 
cleaning  and  putting  them  into  con- 
dition for  service. 

Nos.  1 and  21  remove  the  breech 
cover  and  place  it  at  the  designated 
blace.  They  clean  and  oil  the  breech- 
block and  breech  mechanism. 

No.  2 cleans  and  oils  the  breech 
recess  and  gas-check  seat. 

No.  3 examines  the  vent  and  the 
firing  mechanism.  He  clears  the 
vent  and  cleans  the  primer  seat.  He 
coils  the  long  lanyard  (if  one  is  used) 
and  hangs  it  over  the  end  of  the 
elevating  arm. 


12-inch  gun  drill  (disappearing  carriage) 


4 


At  command  LOAD. 

At  command 
CEASE  FIRING. 
(When  dummy  ammuni- 
tion is  used.) 

The  gun  commander  gives  the  command  LOAD  and  supervises 
the  work  of  his  section.  After  the  chief  of  breech  has  given  the 
command  TRIP , the  gun  commander  sees  that  the  gun  goes  fully 
into  battery,  verifies  the  range  setting,  and  if  the  setting  is  correct, 
calls  READY. 

The  gun  commander 
gives  the  command 
CEASE  FIRING  and 
supervises  the  work  of 
unloading. 

The  gun  pointer  sets  the  deflection  recorded  on  the  deflection- 
recorder’s  board  and  directs  the  traversing  so  that  he  will  be  on 
the  target  by  the  time  the  gun  is  in  battery.  He  fires  the  piece 
or  gives  the  command  FIRE  as  soon  after  the  command  READY 
as  the  piece  is  pointed. 

No  duties. 

At  the  command  TRIP  the  range  setter  lays  the  piece  for  range 
in  accordance  with  information  obtained  from  the  time-range 
board,  as  described  in  Par.  400.  * 

No  duties. 

The  range  recorder  continues  plotting  the  time-range  curve 
as  prescribed  in  Par.  400. 

The  range  recorder 
continues  plotting  ^the 
time-range  curve. 

The  deflection  recorder  makes  a record  of  the  last  deflection 
received  when  it  differs  from  the  last  one  recorded,  erasing  the 
latter. 

The  deflection  re- 
corder continues  re- 
cording deflections. 

The  chief  of  breech  gives  the  command  HOME  RAM  for  ram- 
ming the  projectile,  and  the  command  IN  BATTERY,  TRIP 
for  tripping  the  gun.  If  a lanyard  is  used,  he  hooks  the  lanyard 
before  the  primer  is  inserted,  and  does  not  command  TRIP  until 
after  the  primer  is  inserted.  After  firing,  he  unhooks  the  lanyard. 

No.  1 places  the  head  of  the  rammer  against  the  base  of  the  pro- 
jectile as  the  truck  approaches  the  breech,  assists  in  ramming  the 
projectile,  closes  breech,  assisted  by  No.  2,  and  goes  to  his  place 
on  the  rammer  and  stands  by  for  the  next  shot. 

After  each  shot,  No.  2 wipes  the  mushroom  head  and  gas-check 
seat  with  a cloth  moistened  with  hydrolene  oil.  then  takes  his 
place  on  the  rammer,  assists  in  ramming  the  projectile  and  assists 
No.  1 in  closing  breech. 

No.  3 inserts  a primer  after  the  breechblock  is  completely 
closed  and  lowers  the  leaf  of  the  firing  device  completely  down, 
steps  back  to  the  rear  as  the  gun  goes  in  battery,  letting  his  lan- 
yard (if  one  is  used)  uncoil,  and  pulls  the  lanyard  (if  one  is  used) 
at  the  command  FIRE.  After  the  piece  is  fired  he  coils  the  long 
lanyard  (if  a lanyard  is  used)  and  as  soon  as  the  breech  is  opened 
removes  the  old  primer,  clears  the  vent,  and  cleans  the  primer  seat. 

No.  21  opens  the  breechblock,  and  cleans  and  oils  it  when  neces- 
sary. He  assists  No.  1 with  the  crank  when  there  is  difficulty  in 
closing  the  breech.  If  the  projectile  fails  to  seat  at  the  first  trial, 
he  assists  on  the  rammer. 

Note — (The  battery  commander  may  require  Nos.  1 and  2 to 
assist  in  ramming  the  powder,  and  the  chief  ot  breech  to  assist  in 
ramming  the  projectile.) 

The  chief  of  breech 
supervises  unloading. 

Nos.  1 and  2 assist  in 
withdrawing  the  dum- 
my powder  charge  and 
the  dummy  projectile. 

No.  3 removes  the 
primer. 

No.  21  opens  breech 
and  assists  in  with- 
drawing the  dummy 
projectile. 

5 


12-inch  gun  drill  (disappearing  carriage) 


Details. 

At  command  DETAILS, 
POSTS. 

At  command  EXAMINE  GUN. 

Rammer  detail, 
Nos.  4,  22  and  23. 

Nos.  4 and  22  procure  the 
rammer  and  place  it  on  the  hooks 
near  the  rail,  head  toward  the 
hoist. 

No.  4 takes  post  about  two 
yards  from  the  head  of  the  ram- 
mer, within  reach  of  the  staff, 
facing  the  piece. 

No.  22  takes  post  four  yards 
to  the  left  of  No.  4,  facing  the 
piece. 

No.  23  procures  the  extractor 
for  the  dummy  projectile  and 
places  it  near  the  rammer,  takes 
post  four  yards  to  the  right  of 
No.  4,  facing  the  piece. 

No.  4 assists  the  breech  detail  in 
cleaning  when  necessary. 

No.  22  removes  the  muzzle  cover, 
hands  it  to  No.  8,  who  places  it  at 
the  designated  place. 

No.  23  assists  No.  9 in  filling  the 
recoil  cylinders,  passing  up  the  oil 
measure  and  the  funnel  when  needed. 

Elevating  detail. 
Nos.  5 and  6. 

Nos.  5 and  6 take  posts  at  the 
elevating  handwheel  on  the  same 
side  as  the  range  setter,  facing 
the  piece. 

Nos.  5 and  6 assist  the  range  set- 
ter in  examining  the  elevating  and 
retracting  mechanism,  and  in  clean- 
ing and  oiling  the  gears. 

Traversing  detail. 
Nos.  7 and  8. 

Nos.  7 and  8 procure  the  trav- 
ersing cranks,  place  one  of  them 
on  the  shaft,  on  the  same  side  as 
the  gun  pointer,  and  take  posts 
at  the  crank  facing  to  the  rear. 

Nos.  7 and  8 remove  the  drip  pans, 
assist  in  testing  the  traversing  mech- 
anism. No.  8 receives  the  muzzle 
cover  from  No.  23  and  places  it  at  a 
designated  place. 

Tripping  detail. 
Nos.  9 and  10. 

No.  9 procures  a wrench  for 
filling  plugs,  a measure  contain- 
ing hydrolene  oil,  and  a funnel, 
and  goes  to  the  right  tripping 
lever. 

No.  10  procures  a wrench  for 
filling  plugs  and  goes  to  the  left 
tripping  lever. 

Nos.  9 and  10  mount  on  the  chas- 
sis, each  carrying  a wrench,  and 
remove  the  filling  plugs  from  the 
recoil  cylinders.  If  oil  is  needed. 
No.  9 calls  on  No.  23  for  the  funnel 
and  measure,  and  pours  oil  into  the 
right  cylinder  slowly.  No.  10 

watches  the  oil  hole  in  the  left 
cylinder.  When  both  cylinders  are 
full.  No.  9 hands  the  tunnel  and 
measure  back  to  No.  23  and  notifies 
the  gun  commander  that  the  cylind- 
ers are  ready  for  inspection.  After 
the  inspection.  Nos.  9 and  10  screw 
the  plugs  well  home,  and  take  posts 
facing  the  piece  by  the  platform 
railing.  No.  9 three  yards  to  the 
right  of  No.  4,  and  No.  10  three  yards 
to  the  left  of  No.  4. 

Truck  detail.  Nos. 
11  and  12. 

Nos.  11  and  12  bring  out  the 
shot  trucks  to  be  used  and  take 
posts  at  the  handles  of  one  of  the 
trucks;  No.  11  on  the  right  and 
No.  12  on  the  left. 

Nos.  11  and  12  examine  the 
trucks,  and  clean  and  oil  them  when 
necessary.  They  then  turn  them 
over  to  the  hoist  detail  for  loading. 
When  the  first  truck  is  loaded,  they 
push  it  out  to  some  convenient 
position  in  rear  of  the  breech. 

Powder  serving 
detail.  Nos.  13,  14, 
15,  and  16. 

Nos.  13,  14,  15,  and  16  bring 
out  the  powder  trays  to  be  used 
and  turn  them  over  to  the  ammu- 
nition detachment.  They  take 
posts  opposite  the  first  tray 
loaded,  Nos.  13  and  15  on  the 
right  and  Nos.  14  and  16  on  the 
left,  Nos.  13  and  14  in  rear. 

Nos.  13,  14,  15,  and  16  see  that  the 
powder  sections  are  arranged  on  the 
trays  in  the  order  in  which  they  are 
to  be  inserted. 

Hoist  detail.  Nos. 
17,  18,  and  19.  No. 
17  is  chief  of  detail 
unless  a N.  C.  officer 
is  assigned  in  charge. 

Nos.  17,  18,  and  19  take  posts 
at  the  delivery  table. 

Nos.  17,  18,  and  19  examine  and 
clean  the  delivery  table  and  the  pro- 
jectiles on  it.  They  examine  the 
automatic  stop.  They  load  the 
trucks  turned  over  to  them  by  the 
truck  detail. 

12-inch  gun  drill  (disappearing  carriage) 


6 


At  command  LOAD. 

At  command 
CEASE  FIRING. 
(When  dummy  ammu- 
nition is  used.) 

The  truck  is  brought  up  to  the  face  of  the  breech,  and  the  pro- 
jectile pushed  carefully  off  the  truck  until  the  base  of  the  projectile 
is  just  inside  the  powder  chamber.  The  truck  is  then  withdrawn 
and  run  off  to  one  side.  Nos.  1,2,4,  9,  10,  21,  22,  and  23  then  man 
the  rammer  as  near  the  outer  end  as  possible,  and  at  the  command 
HOME  RAM  by  the  chief  of  breech,  they  rush  the  projectile  for- 
ward hard  into  its  seat,  increasing  the  speed  of  the  rush  so  that  the 
projectile  will  have  its  fastest  movement  when  it  comes  up  hard  in 
its  seat.  The  rammer  detail  pushes  the  powder  off  the  powder 
tray  and  into  the  powder  chamber  to  such  a distance  that  the 
breechblock  will  give  the  powder  charge  a final  push  into  the 
chamber  in  closing. 

Note. — If  considered  desirable  by  the  battery  commander,  he 
may  require  the  chief  of  breech  to  assist  in  ramming  the  projectile, 
and  Nos.  1,  2,  9,  and  10  to  assist  in  ramming  the  powder. 

No.  4 brings  up  the 
extractor  and  pulls  the 
dummy  powder  sec- 
tions back  on  to  the 
tray.  He  hooks  the 
extractor  into  the  dum- 
my projectile  and  as- 
sists in  withdrawing  it. 

Nos.  22  and  23  assist 
in  withdrawing  the  dum- 
my projectile. 

Nos.  5 and  6 elevate  or  depress  the  piece  under  direction  of  the 
range  setter. 

No  duties. 

Nos.  7 and  8 traverse  the  piece  under  direction  of  the  gun  pointer. 
They  halt  when  the  piece  is  fired  and  resume  traversing  as  soon  as 
the  truck  is  withdrawn  from  the  breech. 

No  duties. 

Nos.  9 and  10  assist  in  ramming  the  projectile.  As  soon  as  the 
projectile  is  seated  they  quit  the  rammer  and  run  to  the  tripping 
levers.  At  the  command  IN  BATTERY  they  seize  the  tripping 
levers  and  at  the  command  TRIP  raise  them  quickly  to  the  stops, 
hold  them  for  an  instant,  then  let  go,  and  when  the  gun  is  in  bat- 
tery run  back  to  their  posts  at  the  rammer,  where  they  stand  by 
for  the  next  shot.  If  firing  by  electricity.  No.  9 (or  No.  10)  closes 
the. safety  switch  as  soon  as  the  gun  is  in  battery. 

(Note:  If  considered  desirable  by  the  battery  commander. 

Nos.  9 and  10  may  assist  in  ramming  the  powder.) 

No  duties  unless  the 
dummy  projectile  sticks, 
in  which  case  they  as- 
sist in  starting  it  from 
its  seat. 

Nos.  11  and  12  run  out  a loaded  shot  truck.  No.  12  adjusting  the 
truck  to  the  proper  height  in  accordance  with  the  position  of  the 
piece  upon  recoil.  The  truck  is  run  forward  so  that  the  tray 
enters  the  breech  recess  squarely.  As  the  truck  brings  up  against 
the  face  of  the  breech  No.  12  sets  the  brake.  As  soon  as  the  pro- 
jectile is  pushed  off  the  truck.  Nos.  11  and  12  run  the  truck  back 
to  the  hoist  and  turn  it  over  to  the  hoist  detail.  They  then  take 
posts  behind  a loaded  truck  and  stand  by  for  the  next  shot. 

Nos.  11  and  12  push 
a truck  into  position  at 
the  breech  to  receive 
the  dummy  projectile, 
and  then  return  truck 
to  the  loading  position. 

As  soon  as  the  rammer  has  been  withdrawn  after  seating  the 
projectile,  the  nose  of  the  powder  tray  is  inserted  in  the  breech  by 
Nos.  13,  14,  15,  and  16,  and  the  rammer  detail,  in  one  motion,  pushes 
carefully  the  entire  powder  charge  off  the  tray  to  such  a distance 
that  the  breechblock  will  give  the  powder  charge  a final  push  into 
the  chamber  in  closing.  The  tray  is  then  removed  and  the  breech 
closed. 

Nos.  13,  14,  15,  and 
16  bring  up  an  empty 
powder  tray  to  receive 
the  dummy  powder 
sections  and  return  the 
loaded  tray  to  the  load- 
ing position. 

Nos.  17,  18,  and  19  receive  the  empty  truck  after  each  shot,  load 
it,  and  run  it  out  conveniently  for  Nos.  11  and  12. 

No  duties. 

7 


12-inch  gun  drill  (disappearing  carriage) 


Details. 

At  command  DETAILS, 
POSTS. 

At  command  EXAMINE 
GUN. 

Sponge  detail,  No. 
20. 

No.  20  procures  the  chamber 
sponge  and  a vessel  containing 
hydrolene  oil,  places  them  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  emplace- 
ment from  the  rammer,  and 
takes  post  near  the  chamber 
sponge,  facing  the  gun.  (If 
there  is  to  be  no  firing,  the  vessel 
may  be  empty.) 

No.  20  brings  up  the  chamber 
sponge  when  called  for  and  assists 
in  sponging  the  chamber. 

12-inch  gun  drill  (disappearing  carriage) 


8 


At  command  LOAD. 

At  command 
CEASE  FIRING. 
(When  dummy  ammu- 
nition is  used.) 

No.  20  dips  the  chamber  sponge  in  the  hydrolene  oil  and  allows 
the  excess  oil  to  run  off  as  soon  as  the  breechblock  is  opened 
after  each  shot,  assisted  by  the  breech  detail,  he  sponges  the 
chamber  as  quickly  as  practicable. 

No  duties. 

9 


12-inch  gun  drill  (disappearing  carriage) 


notches  on  the  chassis  and  the  gun  is  forced  into  battery.  However,  battery 
commanders  will  observe  such  defects  at  daily  drill  and  will  have  the  same 
remedied  before  practice  or  action. 

145.  To  retract  the  gun. — Assuming  that  the  gun  is  in  battery,  that  the 
clutch  is  out,  and  that  the  cables  are  wound  on  the  retraction  drums,  to 
retract  the  gun  by  hand  the  gun  commander  will  command  (1)  FROM 
BATTERY,  (2)  HEAVE,  (3)  HALT.  At  the  first  command  No.  7 re- 
leases the  retaining  pawl  and  turns  the  speed  crank  to  permit  the  pulling 
out  of  the  cables.  Nos.  1 and  2 pull  out  the  cables  to  their  full  length  and 
pass  the  ends  to  Nos.  21  and  4,  who  will  have  mounted  on  the  chassis.  Nos. 
21  and  4 pass  the  cables  to  Nos.  9 and  10,  who  will  have  mounted  the  gun 
levers,  and  who  will  place  the  ends  of  the  cables  on  the  hooks.  No.  7 will 
then  throw  on  the  retaining  pawl  and  will  turn  the  speed  crank  to  take  up 
all  slack,  and  No.  8 will  push  in  the  clutch,  Nos.  21  and  4 watching  the  cables 
to  see  that  they  take  the  grooves  of  the  drtims.  As  soon  as  the  slack  has 
been  taken  up  Nos.  4,  21,  9,  and  10  return  to  the  loading  platform,  and 
Nos.  7 and  8 put  on  the  retraction  cranks. 

The  gun  section  is  divided  into  two  reliefs  by  the  gup  commander.  The 
first  relief  takes  post  at  the  retraction  cranks,  and  at  the  second  command 
start  to  retract  the  gun.  The  reliefs  alternate  as  directed  by  the  gun  com- 
mander. As  soon  as  the  crosshead  teeth  engage  their  pawls  the  retraction 
shaft  retaining  pawl  is  thrown  off,  and  remains  off  until  the  cables  have 
been  unhooked  from  the  gun  levers. 

When  the  gun  has  reached  the  loading  position,  the  gun  commander 
commands  HALT.  At  this  command  Nos.  7 and  8 remove  the  retraction 
cranks.  No.  7,  using  the  speed  crank,  lets  out  enough  slack  to  enable 
Nos.  1 and  2 to  unhook  the  cables.  After  the  unhooking,  No.  7 takes  up 
all  slack  with  the  speed  crank  and  then  throws  the  retaining  pawl  on.  No.  8 
then  pulls  out  the  clutch. 

146.  For  retraction  by  power  the  above  drill  is  modiffed  as  follows: 
Assuming  the  idler  to  be  out  of  gear,  after  the  cables  have  been  hooked  to 
the  gun  levers  and  the  slack  has  been  taken  up  by  No.  7 and  the  clutch 
thrown  in  by  No.  8,  at  the  command  HEA  VE  by  the  gun  commander, 
No.  8 throws  the  idler  in  gear.  As  soon  as  this  is  done  the  range  setter 
closes  the  main  switch  of  the  controller  cabinet  and  moves  the  arm  so  as 
to  turn  on  the  power.  The  movements  at  the  command  HALT  are  the 
same  as  those  prescribed  for  hand  retraction,  except  that  the  range  setter 
pulls  the  main  switch  of  the  controller  cabinet,  after  which  No.  8 throws  the 
idler  out  of  gear.  The  cables  are  then  unhooked,  and  the  slack  taken  up 
as  prescribed  for  hand  retraction. 

147.  On  carriages  equipped  with  friction  brakes  on  the  retraction  crank 
shaft  it  is  not  necessary  to  unhook  the  cables  from  the  gun  levers.  The 
time  consumed  in  pulling  out  and  hooking  the  cables  is  thereby  saved.  On 
carriages  so  equipped  the  cables  need  not  be  unhooked,  and  the  drill  may 
be  modified  accordingly. 


